Wilderness Programs in Georgia

Sometimes a young person needs extra counseling, an emotional break or just a little help coping with behavioral problems or addictions. A wilderness program in Georgia can be the solution. These programs give the opportunity to get outdoors away from distractions, with professional counselors to deal with personal issues. This one-on-one with nature approach teaches real life skills that young people can use for a lifetime of success.

Second Nature

• Children learn about themselves in nature.

  Second Nature has two wilderness programs geared toward children ages 11 to 14, and ages 14 to 17. They are seen as the leader in wilderness therapy. It is a licensed program and clinical treatment is administered in addition to sensitivity and compassion to both patients and families. The program is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia.

  Second Nature Blue Ridge

  236 File Street

  Clayton, Georgia 30525

  706-212-2037

  snwp.com

Gables Academy

• Gables Academy offers activities both on and off campus.

  Gables Academy offers a wilderness program for at risk children ages 12 to 15. The Academy combines activities both on campus near Stone Mountain and in the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains. Children will experience wilderness programs as well as sports, boating and arts and crafts.

  Gables Academy -- Wilderness Program

  811 Gordon Street

  Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083

  770-465-7500

  gablesacademy.com

Inner Harbour

• The Inner Harbour campus is in the woods.

  Inner Harbour is found west of Atlanta. It is the only residential treatment center in Georgia accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations, and the Association of Experiential Education. Treatment facilities are in a wooded area with lakes, and programs are for youths up to age 21. Services are also provided for families.

  Youth Villages Inner Harbour Campus

  4685 Dorsett Shoals Road

  Douglasville, Georgia 30135

  770-852-6333

  innerharbour.org

Ridge Creek

• Ridge Creek seeks to change negative behavior.

  For children in grades 7 to 12, Ridge Creek offers a short-term wilderness therapy program. The program provides counseling and intervention through a wilderness experience in the North Georgia Mountains. Changing negative behaviors and developing new, positive leadership skills are some of the program goals. After-treatment resources are offered to families.

  Ridge Creek

  830 Hidden Lake Road

  Dahlonega, Georgia 30533

  706-867-1720

  ridgecreek.org